Luke Russert Joins NBC News As Correspondent At Large

NBC News announced Thursday that Luke Russert, son of late Washington Bureau Chief and moderator of "Meet the Press" Tim Russert, will be joining the network to serve as a correspondent-at-large for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, focusing on youth issues.

The younger Russert impressed viewers nationwide after his composed appearance on the "Today" show the Monday following his father's death, and with his moving tribute to his father at the televised memorial service that Wednesday. He is a recent graduate of Boston College, where he double-majored in History and Communications, and has co-hosted a sports talk show on XM Satellite Radio with James Carville.

"I am extremely humbled and grateful that NBC News is giving me this opportunity," Russert said. "I believe youth issues will continue to play a significant role during this election and I want to do my part to report them honestly and objectively."

Watch Luke's "Today" show appearance below:

Watch Luke's memorial service tribute below:

Full press release below:

"NBC Nightly News" Anchor Brian Williams to Lead Coverage of All Four Nights from Both Conventions

MSNBC to Present 20 Hours a Day of Live Convention Coverage, Anchored by Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews in Primetime

Tom Brokaw Contributes Reporting and Analysis for NBC News and MSNBC
Throughout Conventions

Luke Russert to Serve as NBC News Correspondent at Large Focusing on Youth Issues

NEW YORK - July 31, 2008 - The networks of NBC News - NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo, MSNBC.com and NBC Mobile - will present more than 200 total hours of live coverage of the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 25-28, and the Republican National Convention, Sept. 1-4. "NBC Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams leads the network's four nights of coverage from each convention, while MSNBC's Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews anchor coverage on cable. Tom Brokaw, who has covered every presidential election since 1968, will contribute unparalleled reporting and analysis on both the NBC network and on MSNBC throughout both conventions.

Luke Russert joins NBC News in his first assignment for Decision 2008 as correspondent at large for the conventions, focusing on youth issues. Luke Russert recently graduated from Boston College with a double major in History and Communications. Since March of 2006, he has co-hosted the critically acclaimed sports radio talk show "60/20 Sports" with political pundit James Carville on XM Satellite Radio. On "60/20 Sports" he has interviewed the likes of former President Clinton, former President George Bush, Bill Russell, Cal Ripken Jr. and Lance Armstrong. Luke is the son of the late Tim Russert and of Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth.

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"These are the stories that we live for at NBC News. Across all our platforms, we are offering an unprecedented amount of convention coverage, and we stand ready to field an incredibly talented, and deeply knowledgeable team," said NBC News President Steve Capus. "We will be on the air, on cable, online, on cell phones, on the radio -- wherever, and whenever you want us. Reporting the stories will be the best team in the business, and we welcome Luke Russert to that group. Never before in an election cycle has so much attention turned to the youth vote, and Luke will bring a unique perspective to covering it."

"I am extremely humbled and grateful that NBC News is giving me this opportunity," said Luke Russert. "I believe youth issues will continue to play a significant role during this election and I want to do my part to report them honestly and objectively."

NBC NEWS
"NBC Nightly News" anchor and managing editor Brian Williams will anchor NBC's coverage of the Democratic National Convention, live from the Pepsi Center and from INVESCO Field in Denver, Colo., Monday, Aug. 25-Thursday, Aug. 28, 10-11 p.m. ET and live from the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., Monday, Sept. 1-Thursday, Sept. 4, 10-11 p.m.

Williams will anchor "NBC Nightly News" live from Denver and St. Paul Sunday through Thursday of each convention week. Lester Holt will join Williams on Sunday, August 24 from Beijing and Sunday, August 31 from New York as anchor of special split editions of "NBC Nightly News." The broadcast will include in-depth reports on the issues, delegates, candidates and other convention related stories from Williams and the NBC News political team.

"Meet the Press," moderated by Tom Brokaw, will originate from the convention centers in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 24 and in St. Paul on Sunday, Aug. 31.

For the Democratic National Convention, Matt Lauer will co-anchor a split edition of "Today" from Denver Thursday and Friday, August 28 and 29 while Meredith Vieira co-anchors from New York. For the Republican National Convention, Meredith Vieira will co-anchor a split edition of "Today" from the Xcel Center in St. Paul Thursday and Friday, September 4 and 5 from while Matt Lauer co-anchors from New York. Ann Curry will be broadcasting from both conventions.

Curry will also serve as a podium correspondent from both conventions for NBC and MSNBC, with Andrea Mitchell and David Gregory reporting from the floor. Ron Allen will report from the convention floor in Denver, and Lee Cowan will be with the Obama campaign; Kelly O'Donnell will report from the McCain campaign and from the convention floor in St. Paul, along with Savannah Guthrie; John Yang will cover President Bush in St. Paul. Mike Taibbi and Tom Costello will report live from locations around Denver and St. Paul throughout the conventions. NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd will provide analysis for NBC News and MSNBC.

MSNBC
MSNBC will be live 20 hours a day with complete coverage of both the Democratic and Republican conventions, beginning at 6 a.m. ET with "Morning Joe" from both Denver and St. Paul. Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews anchor MSNBC primetime coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET, with coverage continuing until 2 a.m. ET. MSNBC will telecast live from dynamic outdoor sets in both convention cities, outside Union Station in Denver and from Rice Park in St. Paul, with fans, visitors and supporters of all candidates encouraged to visit the set.

"Morning Joe" will telecast live from Sam's No. 3 Grill & Bar in Denver, and from Keys St. Café in St. Paul, 6 a.m.-11a.m. ET. MSNBC will continue live coverage throughout the day during the conventions, with anchors including Brian Williams, Tom Brokaw, Andrea Mitchell, Chuck Todd, Dan Abrams and Norah O'Donnell, all live from the convention cities.

MSNBC's evening coverage begins with "Hardball with Chris Matthews" at 5 p.m. ET, followed by "Race for the White House with David Gregory" at 6 p.m. ET, both live on-site in Denver and St. Paul. Gregory will also report live from the convention floor in Denver and St. Paul for both MSNBC and NBC News. MSNBC begins live convention coverage, anchored by Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews, at 7 p.m. ET. MSNBC's coverage will continue live until 2 a.m. ET. Norah O'Donnell leads MSNBC's panel, including MSNBC political analysts Rachel Maddow, Pat Buchanan, Mike Murphy and Harold Ford Jr. and Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post.

CNBC
CNBC's Chief Washington Correspondent John Harwood will be on-hand at both conventions to provide political and economic analysis throughout the day on CNBC - from the network's signature morning program "Squawk Box" (6-9 a.m. ET) to Kudlow & Company (7-8 p.m. ET).

MSNBC.COM
Msnbc.com will offer extensive gavel-to-gavel coverage from both the Democratic and Republican Conventions. According to a Pew Research Center study, more consumers stated that they got their political news from msnbc.com than any other online site, making msnbc.com THE leader in online political news. Msnbc.com will feature live video streaming from both conventions, exclusive multimedia features, and comprehensive coverage, including special reports from the convention floor and from events around both host cities.

The coverage will be anchored by NBC News' political team, led by Political Director Chuck Todd, whose reports, analysis and interviews will be updated constantly on First Read, the must-read blog delivering the best insight on the day's political news. The site will feature coverage from National Journal, The New York Times, Newsweek and The Washington Post and other leading partners.

Politics.msnbc.com will feature reporting from citizen journalists at both conventions. Newsvine.com, a wholly-owned subsidiary of msnbc.com, will send six citizen contributors to the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention. Three citizen journalists will attend and cover each convention and the surrounding events. The original articles produced by Newsvine contributors will be available on both on msnbc.com and Newsvine.com.

TELEMUNDO
As part of Telemundo's commitment to the U.S. Hispanic community, the network will cover both the Democratic and Republican conventions. Telemundo News Anchor Pedro Sevcec of "Noticiero Telemundo" (6:30pm/5:30 C), will be reporting live from the conventions on all four nights. The network's Washington DC news correspondent, Lori Montenegro, will be covering the Democratic convention while Los Angeles-based correspondent, Carlos Botifol, will be at the Republican convention. Sevcec and each of the Telemundo news correspondents will blog their experiences on www.yahootelemundo.com.

NBC MOBILE/RADIO
NBC News 2 GO available to MediaFLO/Verizon Wireless customers, will carry MSNBC's live coverage throughout the day and through primetime. NBC Mobile will be clipping and refreshing content with MSNBC coverage throughout the evening. NBC News Radio will also simulcast MSNBC's live coverage during both conventions.

Comments

[clearthinker2008]

I'm happy for Luke, but remember this when we talk about Affirmative Action.

[editrix66]

Of course, he would have gotten a job because of his father. I suspect his father would have helped him get his first job somewhere in television news, likely lower on the totem pole so he could learn the ropes without too much scrutiny. The reason he has this higher-profile job, though, is because he handled himself so gracefully and eloquently at a horrible time in his life. I suspect people were impressed with Luke. His father's name opened the door. If he had acted poorly, he wouldn't have had this chance. My mother got me my first job, too. She was a waitress, and she got me my first job as a dishwasher at her restaurant. Parents help out their kids the best way they can.

[pilgrim7]

Good for Luke. In the end, it's all about money and ratings. Based on what I've seen of him so far I think he'll make a great reporter, just like his mom & dad.

[richardgordon]

Wow! That was a great speech by Luke. I am certain his father would have been very proud. As for NBC grabbing him early, they are smart to do so. Luke has a very positive charisma just like his father. I was watching Meet The Press this morning and really missed Tim Russert. He had an amazing style and manner. Confident, but not pushy or arrogant. The one thing I REALLY APPRECIATED is that Tim Russert always let his guests talk WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. You could see that Tim was not a egotist, which is what made Meet The Press so compelling to watch. He was very good at getting to heart of the issue without appearing arrogant, bullying or intimidating. It was about analyzing and understanding the issues not about Tim Russert, like it is with so many broadcasters. Luke shows the same inner core of strength, humility and humor. It should serve him well in his broadcasting career.

[jstowe100]

I knew this was coming from the first nanosecond of the Matt Lauer interview. The only surprise is that NBC didn't put him straight to the Meet the Press desk.

All that power, all that influence that the elder Russert wielded. It's hard for an arrogant outfit like NBC to let that go without a fight. This is the quick and dirty and easy way for them to keep the racket going.

[Gorestro]

I never watch NBC so I don't care whether Luke Russert is hired by NBC or not. I am sick of Matt Lauer, Ann Curry, and NBC in general. In addition, Luke Russert's face gives an unpleasant impression. He may be a perfect fit for NBC, which I rarely watch.

[WongChin]

Why are people shouting nepotism whereas that is how this society actually works. An job market analyst said today on CNN that 2/3 of all jobs offered in the U.S. come from networking, i.e., being helped by people you know.

That said, those rejoicing about Luke's appointment WILL BE DISAPPOINTED, big time. He talks like a Republican, although he calls himself an independent as many Republicans like to do these days.

He laid himself bare when he appeared on Larry King sometime ago. He praised McCain profusely, argued spiritedly that youth support for Obama is overstated and that he, Luke, had "many friends" who supported McCain. He had no good words for Obama. Luke made it clear that among his father's many friends, James Carville and Tom Brokaw ("Uncle Tom") were his absolute favorites, and he showed his affection for these people by relieving experiences and even mimicking Carville's speaking style.

Well, it is fair to say he is in anti-Obama company. It would be interesting to watch him. Very well-spoken, but very Republican.

[edwarvir]

Let's hope he does a good job and make his Dad proud1

[WongChin]

Don't know if mods will ignore my post as usual--who cares?

Why are people shouting nepotism whereas that is how this society actually works. An job market analyst said today on CNN that 2/3 of all jobs offered in the U.S. come from networking, i.e., being helped by people you know.

That said, those rejoicing about Luke's appointment WILL BE DISAPPOINTED, big time. He talks like a Republican, although he calls himself an independent as many Republicans like to do these days.

He laid himself bare when he appeared on Larry King sometime ago. He praised McCain profusely, argued spiritedly that youth support for Obama is overstated and that he, Luke, had "many friends" who supported McCain. He had no good words for Obama. Luke made it clear that among his father's many friends, James Carville and Tom Brokaw ("Uncle Tom") were his absolute favorites, and he showed his affection for these people by relieving experiences and even mimicking Carville's speaking style.

Well, it is fair to say he is in anti-Obama company. It would be interesting to watch him. Very well-spoken, but very Republican.

[GeorgeKaplan]

This happens everyday in business all across america. When it happens to public figures it seems somehow unseemly. Knowing someone in a company that you want to work at is a big advantage.

Good luck Luke.

[Madampotential]

Ah... the good ole boys network.... the oldest affirmative action program in the world!

Luke Russert = affirmative action baby

[clearthinker2008]

Agreed.

[swingerofbirches]

It's a little weird. A little weird. The whole thing is a little weird. It's a little cloying. The whole thing. The interviews with Matt Lauer were just a little sickening. I know, I'm a cynic. It's just all a little weird.

[geriak]

I think it is great for Luke to get this position but I do think it is unfortunate that other recent college graduates with the same potential and poise will never see this kind of an opportunity. It is who you know and not what you know that gets you the big positions.

[tbone99]

Enough of dynasties already!

[Wistful]

Here we go again. He's humble now but give him a few years and he'll be as arrogant as the rest of them.
I don't suppose NBC's Irish mafia headed by Jack Welch had anything to do with this merit-based hire, ha!
Whatta surprise!

For some reason the cable channels and the networks can't seem to be able to hire anyone who is not from the N.E. or went to school at an elite private school or uni.
There isn't one-single-Arab-journalist either, and god only knows, we sure have a lot to do with them, don't we? WHAT are the corporate heads of the networks afraid of?